How to Play “If you Could Read my Mind” by Gordon Lightfoot (RIP)

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

G-3x0003 Gadd9-3x0203 F-13321x C-x32010 D-xx0232 Em-022000 G/B-x2003x Am7-x02010 (Full capo fret 2) Intro [G] [Gadd9] [G] [Gadd9] [G] If you could [Gadd9] read my mind, love [F] What a tale my thoughts could tell [G] Just like an [Gadd9] old-time movie [F] 'Bout a ghost from a wishing well [G] In a castle dark or a [C] fortress strong With [D] chains upon my [Em] feet [C] You know that ghost is [G] me [Gadd9] And [C] I will never [G/B] be set free As [Am7] long as I’m a [D] ghost, you can't [G] see [Gadd9] [G] If I could [Gadd9] read your mind, love [F] What a tale your thoughts could tell [G] Just like a [Gadd9] paperback novel [F] The kind the drugstore sells [G] When you reach the part where the [C] heartaches come The [D] hero would be [Em] me But [C] heroes often [G] fail [Gadd9] And [C] you won't read that [G/B] book again Be [Am7] cause the ending's [D] just too hard to [G] take [Gadd9] [F] (walk down) [G] [Gadd9] [F] (walk down) [G] I'd walk a way like a [C] movie star Who gets [D] burned in a three-way [Em] script [C] Enter number [G] two, [Gadd9] a [C] movie queen to [G/B] play the scene Of [Am7] bringing all the [D] good things out in [Em] me But for [C] now, love, let's be [G] real [Gadd9] I [C] never thought I could [G/B] act this way And I've [Am7] got to say that I [D] just don't get it [C] I don't know where [G/B] we went wrong But the [Am7] feeling's gone and I [D] just can't get it [G] back [G] [Gadd9] [G] [Gadd9] [G] If you could [Gadd9] read my mind, love [F] What a tale my thoughts could tell [G] Just like an [Gadd9] old-time movie [F] 'Bout a ghost from a wishing well [G] In a castle dark or a [C] fortress strong With [D] chains upon my [Em] feet But [C] stories always [G] end [Gadd9] And [C] if you read be [G/B] tween the lines You'll [Am7] know that I'm just [D] trying to under [Em] stand The [C] feelings that you [G] lack [Gadd9] I [C] never thought I could [G/B] feel this way And I've [Am7] got to say that I [D] just don't get it [C] I don't know where [G/B] we went wrong But the [Am7] feeling's gone And I [D] just can't get it [G] back [Gadd9] [F] (walk down) [G]

[@texhaines9957]

Thanks Mike. I played it a little different, but will work on this as it sounds better. I was asked to play/sing a few of his on Tuesday (without practice). Wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald, In the Early Morning Rain, and this were all I could pull out of my head. Sang both in Memory Care and for the community sing along. Thanks

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

@@texhaines9957 God bless you for the volunteer work you do, Tex!

[@richoneill5619]

Wow! You are so awesome for doing this.

[@DanielKnapp-fb6nk]

Thank you for your great version of this legendary song

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thank you Daniel!

[@douglasfuqua7082]

I heard the news, yesterday...heart sank... BUT... Gordon had a great life, and inspired millions with his musical touch. He will DEFINITELY be missed, but NEVER forgotten. Thanks for this vid and "cover". Very well done, as always.

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Douglas! His music is immortal.

[@douglasfuqua7082]

@@campfire_guitar_lessons Mike, "his music is immortal", is truly an understatement (my opinion), but I get what you're saying,'.... I generally play his stuff in open F#, also, ...capo 2nd fret...but I play "The... Edmund Fitzgerald" in open E (no capo), and the lead(s) bits there, also...just curious how you go about it. Maybe another 5 min vid ??? Thanks for your kind response. (btw, I grew up a little north of Chicago, during the Rock & Folk heyday, and have been blessed to have MET, and played guitar/keyboard with MANY of the pros from that era...but ALMOST met Gordon at O'Hare...his plane was taking off, as mine landed...just missed meeting that tremendous artist. Long story. Take care, and keep putting out your high-quality stuff. I'm sure EVERYONE appreciates what you do. --- "Crossbow", retired in Florida.

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

@@douglasfuqua7082 thanks Crossbow! Impressive. My process involves learning a song, then making it as simple as possible while still retaining the song’s essence. I have found that most in my community want to play songs without much concern for getting things just as the original was done. Simpler is better for my crew. My most popular video, Man of Constant Sorrow, reduced that song to three, two finger chords. Purists are appalled, but most love the approach.

[@douglasfuqua7082]

@@campfire_guitar_lessons Mike, your videos are excellent, and I agree with the KISS principle, too (Keep It Simple, Stupid....or keep it stupidly simple)... I kinda do the same ... not really a "by the book" type, either. "If ya wanna hear it played exactly, listen to the pro's recording"...otherwise, close enough is good enough. Other than an easy rhythm part, Edm Fitz is just "lead" on 2nd fret, A string,.... Going up the strings, same fret to the High E (skinny), but without the string bends (which Gordon did)...up to the 1st string, 2nd & 3rd frets, and then coming back down, ending on 5th string, 2nd fret...as memory serves...I may have to grab one o' my guitars and pick it out (finger memory is better than my brain memory...)...don't ya HATE that ??? Anyway it is pretty simple and it MAKES that song a believable rendition. Not saying you have to do a vid on this one, but mess about with it, off camera...for fun. Cheers. ...(and keep those great vids coming)...

[@effeuw3914]

I'd like to thank you for your video! There's nothing like the feeling of figuring out how to play another beautiful classic song on your acoustic as a self taught beginner... Thank you 🎶 and to add, there's nothing like learning from someone who's put their heart into the song!

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Eff! I appreciate your kind comment!

[@dbrew2u]

Thank You Mike for an absolutely gorgeous rendition of this Classic Lightfoot song . You never fail with your wonderful lessons and method of teaching . I have learned a lot from you . And send you Mad Respect for helping me in my Guitar Journey . Thank You Sir .

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Music to my ears, Augusta! Thanks for taking the time to post your kind words!

[@roberteberhart1824]

R.I.P. Gordon. What a great story teller he was. Beautiful songs.

[@johnj.rehder1772]

Bravo Mr. Kelly! I love your take on this classic! And, yes, we did lose an Icon with the passing of Gordon Lightfoot. I played this song on guitar while courting my wife, in 1971!

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks so much John! I guess the song worked… thanks for sharing!

[@DRYFLY0]

Just great! Thank you for this!

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Dryfly!

[@coryslaney]

I absolutely love your videos and lessons! And you have the most beautiful guitars I have ever seen! I am Canadian but I support all troops and veterans in the world!

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks so much Cory! I appreciate your kind words and support.

[@robmiller3464]

Hello Mike, I’ve been watching you for about 2 years and love your drop D stuff. I’ve been an intermediate player for a while and actually Travis pick this particular song and it sounds very good. Strumming is fine, especially for those players wanting to learn the rhythm and chords. Very nice of you to honor Gordon with this song. You’re talented and a good teacher, thanks Mike.

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks for your kind words Rob! A lot of the songs I teach, I also play via some form of Travis picking. But since less than 10% of my students can play finger style, I translate virtually all my lessons to strumming.

[@robmiller3464]

@@campfire_guitar_lessons I see Mike. That makes total sense. As you know, any type of Travis picking takes a lot of practice. Thanks Mike

[@paulwilson1110]

Ahh Mike, why did I know what your lesson would be this week. A lovely tribute superbly played. Can't wait to learn this, thanks a million. Hint...also love "In the Early Morning Rain" 🎸 ❤

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

I think you read my mind, Paul. 😎 I have a newfound appreciation for Gordon’s work, so don’t be surprised as I sprinkle his songs in as we move forward. Thanks!

[@dennisk5082]

Mike.. i so knew that would do a Gordon song!! You can take over touring for him!! Thanks again. RIP Gordon. One of my favs

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Dennis! I watched a great tribute on KZbin from Canadian J.P. Cormier. It was his 5/3 “String Theory” live feed. He opened with Gordon’s song he wrote for Canada’s Centennial. Very powerful and emotional!

[@mattfraser3452]

Always a great song , thanks,rip GL 🇦🇺

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Matt!

[@ConjuntoFan]

Yes, we lost a legend. For a moment I thought I was listening to the original! Awesome lesson Mike, thanks!!!

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Aww Tony! Thanks for the compliment! Where do I send the check? 🤣

[@ConjuntoFan]

@@campfire_guitar_lessons Jeje! No check required!

[@Yan-c6c]

I'm here again to hear your beautiful singing!👍👍👍🌹🌹

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Aww! Thanks Yan! There are a few flat notes in there, though!

[@Yan-c6c]

@@campfire_guitar_lessons My teacher often goes to performances and I remember him telling me that every performance will have a little regret! I think it's like there are always some imperfect things in life! The important thing is that we stay happy!

[@paulhollands6609]

Brilliant tutorial. Many thanks.

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Glad it was helpful, Paul… thanks!

[@arottie4097]

W0W!

[@BarristerBarnes]

This was absolutely awesome! Great job!

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Barrister! Great to hear from you again.

[@nicolasmaurin182]

Beautiful

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Nicolas!

[@kevinlentz7604]

Excellent job Mike❤

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Kevin!

[@gregnelson5295]

Ah, man, I didn't know he was gone! I'll have to get after this one, it's one of my favorites. My F chord could always use more work, anyhow. Nice rendition and singing. Many thanks, as always.

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thank you Greg!

[@paulhollands6609]

Great tutorial. Many thanks.

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thank you Paul!

[@douglasjackson9058]

Thanks so much for these videos 👍

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

My pleasure Douglas. Thanks!

[@AnnM-y2k]

That guitar’s a beauty.

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Ann!

[@texhaines9957]

Nice Hummingbird. Recently got a (Gibson USA built) Frontier, my 2nd "built in Montana" guitar (my oldest son liked it).

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Tex! I’ve been jonesing for one of those Frontiers. Beautiful maple drednought!

[@Jtc7641]

Great lesson! TY

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

My pleasure, JC!

[@Rob-id3zf]

wow this sounds great Mike. I love this song. It just amazes me how you pick out notes and strings strumming. It almost sounds like multiple instruments. Also with Shady Grove. it sounds so effortless. Respect. (i cant reproduce it yet. lol)

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks for your kind words, Rob!

[@melroberts7987]

Love it Mike, thanks so much my friend.

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Great! Thanks Mel!

[@melroberts7987]

Haha..Im gonna be up late with a hot mug of Joe strumming this one, so I can pull this off at the next senior center jam. They debut'd Wreck of Edmund Fitzgerald last Monday and this will be my answer.

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

@@melroberts7987 you’ll knock it out of the park, Mel!

[@melroberts7987]

@@campfire_guitar_lessons Haha!...Thanks.

[@leelossi1257]

great job Mike! One of my Gord favorites!! How about "Ode to Big Blue"? Love that song

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Lee! I don’t know that one, but I’ll check it out.

[@markbuck4084]

Nicely done sir

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thank you kindly, Mark!

[@johnkelly1065]

Nice job Mike. Cheers

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks brother John!

[@buttonsangel3074]

Thank you

[@michaeleckert5943]

Beautiful mike could you give us newcomers a little background about you I once knew a mike kelly we all joined the army and lost track of my buddy's I remember him being a good guitar player

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Michael. I’m not a veteran… I’m the son of a decorated WWII vet that died way too young. I’ve always admired veterans and decided to volunteer as a guitar instructor for veterans when I retired from the corporate world. Best decision I ever made! Thanks for your interest.

[@johnmiller7091]

Love it Mike. Only thing is I go from a G to a G7 then to a C sometimes. Holding at G sounds good to. I like the strumming version you have. Im using it in my version. Thank you.

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks John! I started out playing it using the G7. But when I listened closely to the original, I concluded he kept it at a G, even though he was singing a flatted 7th. Works either way. Good ear, my friend!

[@johnmiller7091]

@@campfire_guitar_lessons You're correct. I just listened to an older version and it sure sounds like it stays a G as well. I think I will leave the G7 out as well. When you have numerous guitars there are lots of blended chords that can fit in as fill but I believe staying a G is the way to go. Either way I always appreciate your music.

[@ruka419]

Realy interesting!

[@kennytaylor9840]

Well that’s one I know, nicely done 🎼👍.

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks Kenny!

[@frankjurgensen9550]

Sehr geil! Die Version die sich in mich reingefressen hat ist von daliah lavi.......wäre ich ein Buch zum lesen.....

[@pumping4jane]

Thanks! Want your guitar. Gibson or Ibanez?

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks. Gibson Hummingbird.

[@sbbudj]

Nice cover... rip Gordon

[@campfire_guitar_lessons]

Thanks schwilly!